When I learned to put words together to make sentences in first grade, I felt compelled to write about life. Poetry was my first beginning, letters to friends, homemade cards to loved ones, and then journaling. I’ve always been compelled to write, or it would linger too long in my soul, aching to get out on paper. My house is filled with notebooks, file folders, and computer files that support this compelled obsession. My deep love for Him is my reason for this blog. Jesus has been my friend even before I asked Him to be. He taught me how to talk to Him, write to Him, and, most importantly, trust in Him. Over time, my writing has become my love letters to my family and future great-grandchildren. I want them to know that I’ve prayed for them. I want them to know Jesus and His love. You may not remember my name, but that is okay. Remember the legacy of a life well lived and my love for Him.
Why Blog? Most things of the soul are universal, yet we are afraid to share. Being vulnerable is risky, yet it’s the very thing that encourages others and provides acknowledgment and validation in places that seem so lonely. The thing I love most about blogging is that when I’m writing, it truly seems like I’m talking to you, connecting with you, and perhaps through mere words and honesty, we can encourage each other in this life’s journey.
WHY ARRESTED BY GRACE?
Hearing Dr. Jeremiah describe John Newton’s conversion as being “arrested by grace” was a powerful expression of God’s ability to change a person. It’s the time in a lecture or sermon in which you gasp and say, “Yes!” Oh, the freedom we have in Christ in which we dance, worship, and shed all the bondage and ridicule of this world! I watch my 8-year-old so freely dance, giggle, and embrace life with joy and desire to dance with her. How can we become like children and know this pure freedom in Him? This inborn dance…
Arrested, according to Merriam Webster, is to bring to a stop, seize/capture, to catch suddenly or engagingly. God’s grace is sufficient to meet all our needs. His grace is given daily, moment by moment, and when we feel as if we cannot handle another moment, His grace captures us. Suddenly, we are engaged in something so powerful that our fears are completely stopped, and we are totally arrested by Him. Through the work of Jesus, we are given such an amazing gift of grace! We cannot fathom nor measure this gift!
Today, may we claim His love and truly know that He will supply all our needs according to the riches and grace found in Jesus’ glorious work.
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:7)
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye,” (Psalm 32:8). “. . . the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness,” (Psalm 18:28).
“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:19).
“. . . but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day,” (II Corinthians 4:16).
A READER’S RESPONSE TO THE MEANING OF ARRESTED BY GRACE: CHERYL HAMILTON
Anna, I am so enjoying your blog. I have been thinking about the name of your blog…Arrested by grace….Arrested means to be captured, held restrained..so I look at this two ways…
1 – Jesus was restrained ( as on the cross) in order to extend grace to us..and
2 – We are held captive by that same restraint until such time as the Father sets us totally free BY HIS GRACE!
Link to Podcast Purposeful Pauses: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna1936
ARRESTED BY GRACE 
Anna, now I know why I felt an instant bond with you. Your thoughts and experiences have been so similar to mine in the need to journal and my walk with Jesus. I look forward to your blog and feel grateful to be included.
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Pam, His work in all of us at different stages, places, seasons….omnipresent…..overwhelms me. He will continue this work and promises to never forsake us.
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I love this like I love you. Can’t wait for future “blogs”. Let His light shine precious one.
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Pop,
I consider you to be a faithful prayer warrior, a mentor, and consistent servant for Him.
Thank you….
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Thank you for asking me to join your “Blog” I love your comments on the Bible. You are always so refreshing.
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Sweet Shirley
God’s Word is refreshing. I’m so blessed to have an Aunt who showed me His love and loved me so much. Thank you for loving me and my family.
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Anna I was not always a loving person so thank you. God’s grace is a glorious thing. The foot of the cross makes us all on equal terms with our God, .
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My greatest joy and hope right now is just knowing I am where God wants me to be. God is in controll, I don’t have to worry about all the “what ifs” Because I am older I guess I see how much things have changed with our young people and with our country. I pray for Gods blessings on both. love you
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Slow to respond, I am quite the opposite in putting my thoughts to paper. I don’t usually want anyone (especially Satan) to know what’s going on in my head. As I age I realize the benefits of taking time to review and ponder. So glad to have the love of Christ and the freedom to express it. Thanks for starting this. Im curious as to what it will produce in my own walk.
Hugs and thanks for including me.
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Dearest beautiful friend -April
At our age, reflecting back certainly does have profound meaning and produces a lot of “thoughts”. God promises if we ask Him that He can help us to take every thought captive under His authority.
2 Corinthians 10:5
New International Version (NIV)
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
You are a shining example of His faithfulness, grace, and love. I know I would benefit from the work God is doing in your life. Share as you feel led, and know I’m praying for you. Make sure you go to the bottom of the front page and sign up to receive an email when a new post is written. I love you. Thanks for wanting to walk this journey with me.
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Shirley,
I was just finishing up a part of a major paper in which I had to analyze personality types that are more “what if” in nature. This type usually will see the bigger picture, and provides the team a good list of what ifs. Others grab ahold of the moment, and live in the present day and are usually our data folks. Give us this day our daily bread. Not one of us can change time, turn back time, or make time go by quicker or slower. We all have equal time in the day, and we are all equal in the amount of grace God give us in that day – our daily bread. He never short changes his children. He loves us just the way we are, where we are, all the time. Thank you for loving me.
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Thank-you Anna so much for your prayers and words of encouragement! U are such a wonderful person and I see God in you and your family! The Scriptures you posted struck me in the heart and I will continue to follow your blog!!
With love,
Shannon
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Beautiful Shannon! You are beautiful inside and out and filled with the Holy Spirit! When I sit in your chair and we chat I know that I have someone to talk about Jesus with, and truly I feel welcomed and loved. You are amazing! I’m praying deeply for the next step. My little Valentina read this to me out loud and we stopped and prayed for you……”When you follow your bliss…DOORS will open where you would not have thought there would be doors and where there wouldn’t be a door for anyone else.” – Joseph Campbell
Claiming this for your husband: May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4
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Thanks, Anna, for inviting me to join. It is the only blog I have ever joined. Thank you for the prayers and words of encouragement as we have navigated Collin’s health challenges this summer.
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Becky,
Your family is a living testimony of God’s love, peace, and faithfulness! You’ve inspired many, and many are praying for you! I love the fact you and I will connect with the love of Jesus! I will learn a lot from you and your story!!!!
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Thank you, Anna, for sharing your gift of writing such beautiful, faith based words. You are truly a blessing!
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Libby–God is author of our lives! He writes our story. Your story is filled with hope and miracles! We miss you!
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